VATICAN NEWS

VATICAN— The yearning for one’s soul to be quenched must not be confused with longing for worldly desires, a Portuguese priest told Pope Francis and senior members of the Roman Curia during their Lenten retreat.

ROME— While it is true that the world is full of sin and sinful behavior, priests must learn to scrutinize the “signs of the times” for new trends and attitudes that are good and healthy and holy, Pope Francis told pastors from the Diocese of Rome.

VATICAN— As the Catholic Church prepares to welcome youths from around the world to a preparatory meeting for the Synod of Bishops on youth, Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri said the church is using every means of communication available to listen to young people from all walks of life.

VATICAN— Updating the norms and regulations governing the resignation of bishops and of Roman Curia department heads who are not cardinals, Pope Francis said they will continue to hold office until he accepts their resignations.

VATICAN— On Thursday Pope Francis assured of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by a deadly shooting at a Florida high school that left 17 dead, offering prayer for the victims and voicing hope that such acts of violence would end.